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Bes
(330 words)

[German version]

[1] Roman coinage

In the Roman system of weights and measures the bes (binae partes assis) represents 2/3 (8/12) of the as and, on the basis of the Roman pound (327.45 g), weighs 218.30 g [1. 72]. In Roman minting the bes was stamped with S as its symbol of value; only issued by C. Cassius in 126 BC in bronze (with the head of Liber/prora) [2. 290].

 As;  Small coin, shortage of;  Libra

Bibliography

1 Schrötter, s.v. Bes

2 M. H. Crawford, Roman Republican Coin…

Cite this page
Mlasowsky, Alexander (Hannover) and von Lieven, Alexandra (Berlin), “Bes”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_brill000215>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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